Students at York college are being expected to pay more to travel on First buses than students at either of the city's universities, a leading councillor has said. Coun. Ruth Potter, Labour's transport spokesperson on the city council says the inequity is one that is completely unfair on students who are likely to have less money than those attending university. She said:

"On looking into this I have found the existing situation penalises York College students unfairly, which is wrong. University of York students can pay £269 for a yearly ticket for term times, working out at £8.90 per week. For York St John students, the comparative figure is £8.50 per week, while for York College students the figure has been £11.50 per week (see table below).

"I'm amazed this anomaly has existed for as long as it has but it must be changed for the benefit of the young people who are being hit by this punitive charge".

Coun. Potter has made representations to council officers on the matter, seeking an explanation from First on the high cost of passes for college students. She has also asked why there is complete lack of information for college students on First's website and through its customer services telephone number.

"I called First and was told there is no annual pass and the cost would be £11.50 per week for those attending the 6th form at York College", said Coun. Potter. "This works out at £448.50. First has only now offered these students the same university pass, but say the extra 9 weeks will have to be paid for at the £11.50 per week rate, making the annual charge £372.50".

Coun. Potter says the Coastliner service offers those attending York College half price travel when they purchase an annual £2 pass, but that this service is not available to everyone because of where they live. Until cross-ticketing becomes a reality, the Coastliner does not offer a solution to those not wishing to pay First's higher costs she said. Coun. Potter added:

"I will be raising this at the Quality Bus Partnership meeting later this week and expect to get an explanation for the inequity of the present system. The proposed change is to be welcomed, but I would question whether it goes far enough".